The 64-year-old broadcasting legend admitted she always pushed to make those who appeared on her programme feel ''vulnerable'' enough to show their emotions, but these days she ''witholds the powers''.

She said: ''I used to try. As an interviewer you wanted that moment where you could have someone open up, be vulnerable enough to actually have an intimate connection and cry.

''Now I try not to get people to cry. I withhold the powers.''

But 'Late Late Show' host James, 39, challenged Oprah to try and use her powers on him.

Oprah took James' hand, and then rested a hand on his shoulder and looked deep into his eyes, before talking about his three children, six-year-old son Max and daughters, three-year-old Carey and three-month-old Charlotte, who he has with wife Julia.

Oprah told James: ''Well you need some time, it's about having some time. But let me just say for you, Charlotte, Carey, Max - once on my show a father said, 'Every father has a dream for his children. And his deepest regret in life will be if he doesn't fulfill that dream for his children.'

''What is the dream that you hold for Charlotte, Carey and Max?''

James immediately began wiping tears from his eyes and quipped: ''I just want them to feel like this every day!''

He then teased: ''Shut up! Who are you?! You have to stop! You just can't roll out people's children's names like that.''